Image: MomJunction Design Team
The festive season is marked by joy and merriment, and children look forward to gifts and treats. So, make their day by getting them the best stocking stuffers for kids. Stuffing gifts in stockings is an age-old tradition that many follow even today and a fun way to spread holiday and Christmas cheer.
Happiness is all about enjoying the little things. Therefore, if you are looking for creative stocking stuffer ideas for kids, take inspiration from the gift options listed here and purchase a few that can bring a smile to children’s faces.
Top Picks
15 Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids
1. Best For Tricks: Bicycle Playing Cards
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 14,889 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Bicycle playing cards are known for their quality and make an ideal stocking stuffer gift for kids who love card games. They are available in a pack of two featuring the historic rider back. Each standard card deck consists of 52 traditional playing cards, two jokers, and two additional ad cards. They have air-cushion finish and feel good while handling and shuffling.
Pros
- Fun gift idea suitable for magic tricks
- Apt for family gatherings
- Available in different deck styles and designs
- Durable
Cons
- May not be water-resistant
- Some may find the edges to be rough
"My husband introduced these cards on our last family game night. They were fun enough to keep the game spirit intact. However, they tend to wear out with rough use, so delicate handling is required. But I like that it suits all ages, keeping my children sufficiently engaged."
Trivia2. Best Grip: BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen
BIC ballpoint pens come in a variety of colors and designs, making them an interesting and useful gift for your child. The tried-and-tested four-color pen lets your children write in red, blue, black, and green ink. For added convenience, the pen comes with long-lasting refills and contains a lanyard hole so they can carry it anywhere and not lose it. There are three pens in one pack.
Pros
- Wide barrel design for comfortable grip
- Suitable for journaling or doodling
- Great for color grading copy
- Versatile 1.0mm medium point
- Helps develop color key
Cons
- Ink might be lighter than you expect
- May be prone to leaking
"The multi-color feature simplifies my quick note-taking and organizing tasks while also coming in handy for my son's school projects. It is versatile and easy to use, a worthwhile purchase for everyday needs."
3. Best Portable:BYB Super Bright LED Mini Aluminum Flashlight with Lanyard
These versatile flashlights that are available in a pack of four assorted colors could make a practical gift for children. They are compact, featuring an aluminum body that gives proper illumination. Your kid could use it while taking the dog for a walk or as a camping light. They work on three AAA batteries and include a simple on-off button for operation.
4. Best For Fine Motor Skills: Sooper Beads Water Beads Rainbow Mix
These water beads by Sooper Beads could make one of the best stocking stuffers for children, as they help improve fine motor skills. The pack includes a mix of high-quality crystal water beads that are non-toxic, non-flammable, and 100% biodegradable. These sensory beads enlarge when soaked in water and engage children in sorting, matching, or mixing the rainbow colors and textures. They can be used in the pool or bathtub or put in a vase for decoration.
Pros
- Suitable for spa
- Fade-resistant
- Encourages sensory play
- Helps teach children colors and textures
- Works with Water Beads gun
- Can be used in therapy sessions
- Help retain water in plant pots
Cons
- May not be suitable for toddlers
- Cleaning after play may not be easy
5. Best For Board Games: Austor 50 Pieces Game Dice Set
The six-sided dice game is quite addictive to play and makes a cool stocking stuffer for children. This set includes 50 pieces in five translucent colors that come in a velvet drawstring bag. They are made of eco-friendly acrylic materials, and each dice measures about 16mm. Your child could use them for playing games such as Liar’s Dice, Tenzi, Farkle, Yathzee, Bunco, and Casino.
Pros
- Suitable for decoration
- Bright colors
- Helps teach math
- Durable and portable
- Apt for tabletop board games
Cons
- May not suit children aged below 12 years
- May be smaller than expected
"My son and his friends enjoy playing with this dice set. The pattern and color variations make the game challenging yet engaging. I also found the set quite durable, enduring rough play well."
6. Best For Organizing Items: Avery Removable Print Or Write Color Coding Labels
The Avery removable color coding labels could make your child’s playtime and learning fun. The tried-and-tested labels can be used to sort, process numbers, and identify shapes. Children can also learn to create board games, memorize patterns, and practice basic math with this color coding label set. They can also be used to help your child organize their things in the room.
Pros
- Fast and easy to peel
- Suitable for inkjet printers
- Does not leave a residue
- Stays put in the long run
Cons
- May not be laser printer-friendly
- May not stick well on plastic
"These colored dot stickers come in handy in organizing my daily inventory and while crafting with my little one. They are easy to stick and remove and do not leave any marks. Overall, they are a nifty solution for quick labeling."
7. Best For Bathtime: Crayola Color Bath Dropz
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 8,455 reviews on Amazon.
Make your child’s bath time a blast with this Color Bath Dropz by the trusted brand Crayola. The bottle includes 60 tablets; each tablet, similar to a bath bomb, is tinted with a different crayon color and dissolves when added to the bathwater. The tablets are made with citric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, polyethylene glycol, lactose, and mineral oil, making them safe for playing.
Pros
- Odorless
- Doesn’t leave a residue
- Does not stain
- Fun alternative to bubbles
- Ideal for kids aged three years and above
Cons
- May not be brighter than expected
- May take some time to dissolve
"My twins love watching the fizzing action and the vibrant colors swirling in the water, making their bathtime fun. I prefer keeping it in the store room to prevent the colors from getting damp. Overall, I'm pleased with this product."
8. Best Colorful: Post-it Super Sticky Notes
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,513 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Post-it super sticky notes, available in five different rainbow colors, make one of the best stocking stuffers for children. Your child would love to use these colorful stickers for making a to-do list or leave notes for you or themselves around the house. They are double-adhesive, recyclable sticky notes that can be stuck to doors, walls, or windows, making them a perfect gift option for organized kids. The paper is sourced from renewable, certified, and responsibly managed forests.
Pros
- Suitable for setting reminders or organizing
- Lasts up to 60 days
- Edge-Lock technology helps in clean removal
- Sticks and re-sticks
Cons
- May curl up while in use
- Waxy texture may not be suitable for ballpoint pens
"I frequently use these sticky notes for daily check-list and grocery shopping. They also work great for color coding, especially for my husband, who needs constant reminders to prioritize tasks. Moreover, it sticks well and removes quickly without leaving residue on the surface."
Did you know?9. Best for Stimulating Senses: Learning Resources Magnetic Wands
These colorful magnetic wands from Learning Resources make a good stocking stuffer idea, especially for visual and tactile learners. They are simple STEM tools that encourage learning through hands-on exploration of magnetic properties. Available in a set of six assorted colors, these time-tested wands can be used at science fairs, physical science learning centers, and primary science labs.
Pros
- Great for sensory bins
- Suitable for home and school use
- Improves critical thinking skills
- Teaches children to observe, measure, and compare
- Apt for teaching cause and effect
Cons
- May not be durable enough
- Magnets may not be strong enough
"My kids are fascinated by these magnetic wands as they hang items and do various experiments during their playtime. Though these sticks cannot endure rough use, their overall practicality makes them a worthy purchase."
10. Best For Art: Alex Toys Artist Studio 12 Inch Paper Roll
Introduce your child to a creative world of art with the Alex Toys paper roll. The blank roll can be used as a canvas for drawing, painting, or other art forms. The 12-inch wide paper roll is 100 feet long and made of heavy-duty white bond paper. You may also teach your child to use it as a paper dispenser or as a cover for the table to avoid any mess while working on art projects.
Pros
- Can be cut into any size
- Suitable for children aged two years and above
- Enhances imagination through art
- Multifunctional
Cons
- May be thinner than you expect
- May be smaller than expected
11. Best For Decoration: Renook 3D Puffy Stickers
Here’s another fun stocking stuffer idea for children. They can use these colorful stickers for decorating their diaries, scrapbooks, and calendars or to create a customized birthday or holiday card for their friends. You get 20 different sheets with 50 3D puffy stickers on each sheet. These come in various prints and designs, including hearts, stars, animals, cars, cartoons, and cakes. These stickers are non-toxic, reusable, and easy to peel and stick.
Pros
- Non-residue
- Great for teacher awards and incentives
- Made of high-quality materials
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Fade-resistant
Cons
- May not stick well on clothing
- May be smaller than expected
"I got these cute, multi-themed stickers for my kid's creative projects, and she loves them. She particularly enjoys their re-stickable design, so she can keep putting it in different places. The variety of designs and their durability are worth recommending."
12. Best For Color Mixing: Crayola Washable Watercolors
Let your child create beautiful art with this Crayola washable watercolors set. It contains eight watercolors and a paintbrush, which are safe and non-toxic. These tried-and-trusted stocking stuffers for kids are suitable for children aged above five years and ideal for homework, classrooms, and a variety of creative arts and projects. Also, these are washable, and the color can be easily removed from skin and clothing.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Palette included for mixing
- Blends smoothly for color mixing
- Conforms to ASTM-safety specifications
Cons
- Might be slightly sticky
- Paintbrush may not be durable enough
"These Crayola watercolors have been keeping my children busy. They're easily washable, which prevents mess on the floor. The wide color range and overall quality are pretty impressive. Overall, this kit has been a decent purchase."
13. Best For DIY Projects: Creativity Street Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners
If your child loves making creative stuff, you may add these chenille stems or pipe cleaners to their Christmas stocking. The polyester stems are crush-resistant and enable a variety of crafting opportunities such as linking, building, and twisting. The classic art stems can be straightened and reused for several DIY projects, making them perfect stocking stuffers for creative kids.
Pros
- Durably made
- Great for small hands
- Suitable for personalizing gifts
- Available in different colors
- Made of flexible wire
Cons
- Some ends might be slightly sharp
- May be thinner than expected
"The stems have been great for my daughter's crafting needs and are long, vibrant, and durable. I quite like their versatility and ease of use. Though they have sharp edges, they become safer and easy to handle with a quick fold."
14. Best Reusable: Melissa & Doug-On the Go-Water Wow! Water Reveal Activity Pad
Help your child explore their creative side with the creative activity pad by the trusted brand Melissa and Doug. The set includes two activity pads consisting of images based on vehicles and animals that reveal colors when children apply water to them using the refillable water pen. These creative and easy-to-use watercolor books offer a suitable way to be creative while preventing mess. With their interactive and child-friendly design, these activity pads are liked by many reviewers and qualify as unique stocking stuffer gifts..
Pros
- Made of non-toxic material
- Grip-friendly plastic water pen
- Travel friendly
- Reusable
- Promotes hands-on play
Cons
- Water Pen may be flimsy
- May not be durable
"These reusable color books are easy to use without creating any mess, making them my children's favorite pick for on-the-go activities. The pen is easy to hold and refill, which is a plus. I like how they keep my kids engaged for hours, keeping them away from screens."
15. Best For Theme Parties: U.S. Toy Assorted Rain Forest Animal Figures
This U.S Toy assorted animal figurine set makes a fantastic stocking stuffer for children. The pack has 12 easy-to-hold figures that measure about 1½ to 2½ inches. These toys help your child recognize and learn about each animal included. The animal figures are made of non-toxic plastic and are safe for children to play with.
Pros
- Suitable for theme parties
- Can be used for science projects
- Realistic design
- Help in imaginative play
Cons
- Small parts may pose a choking hazard
- May have a faint chemical smell when new
"Seeing my son so engaged in identifying each animal, even the rare ones, is lovely. It's sizable enough to fit his tiny hands. Also, the spot-on details are remarkable. Hence, I find them delightful preschool learning resources."
How To Choose The Right Stocking Stuffers For Children?
Here are a few tips to help you pick the right stocking stuffers for your child.
- Age: Consider buying something suitable for your child’s age.
- Personality: Understand your child’s likes and dislikes by studying their skills, passions, and talents. Some may be artistic, while some are into music, sports, or crafts. Buy a present accordingly.
- Practicality: Try choosing a gift that adds value and also fun. It should actively engage the child and not end up being unused or forgotten.
- Development: Choose toys, games, or materials that are appropriate to your child’s developmental level and promote social, cognitive, or creative development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I open stocking stuffers?
The most popular time for opening the stocking stuffers is before offering the gifts on Christmas morning.
2. Are stocking stuffers from Santa or the parents?
The empty stockings are from the parents, and the small little presents that go inside a stocking are from Santa.
3. What do I put in a 6-year-old girl’s stocking?
You can choose a good mix of fun and educational toys, DIY crafts, and personal things. Some nice ideas for stocking fillers for your six year old include art supplies, National Geographic books, food items, notebooks and pen sets, and other items that interest your child.
4. What do I put in a 12-year-old’s stocking?
Holidays are ideal for trying something new or taking a chance at a product you’ve been thinking about buying for your child for a while. Some suitable stocking gift ideas for your 12-year-old are skill-building activity sets, quirky notepads, fidgets and sensory-based toys, art supplies, food items, and other toys or essential items your child needs.
The Bottom Line
You can easily bring a smile to your little one’s face by stuffing their Christmas stocking with all their favorite things. Stocking stuffers might seem simple, but these fun and adorable items hold much value for kids. On this list of the best stocking stuffers, you will find various options so you can find something your child is bound to love. Our favorite picks are the functional BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen for a child who loves doodling or journaling, the quality Bicycle Playing Cards for a child who loves card games, and the convenient Avery Removable Print Or Write Color Coding Labels for a child who loves to stay organized. Browse through the list and consider their interests and age before deciding on a product.
Infographic: Advice For Selecting Fun Stocking Stuffers
Decorating the house and the Christmas tree with socks and stocking is a traditional Christmas embellishment. It makes this season more anticipated and fun for children as they rush to look for Santa’s gift in these stockings on Christmas morning. The infographic below includes tips for picking stocking stuffers your children will love.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Why Trust MomJunction?
Christmas stockings are a popular decorative item for homes during the holiday season. If your children have also covered the house with these stockings, you may want to stuff these socks with tiny presents. We have compiled a list of the best stocking stuffer gifts for kids after careful analyses of various tried-and-tested products. The list offers a selection of high-quality small items, ranging from ballpoint pens to crayons, and a buying guide that outlines your needs so you can select the right stocking stuffing options.
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